Glossary
A
Abdomen
The part of your body between your chest and pelvis.
Abnormal pain
See neuropathic pain.
Acupuncture
A procedure used in or adapted from Chinese medical practice in which certain body areas are pierced with fine needles. Acupuncture can be used to relieve chronic pain.
Acute
Used to describe a condition that comes on suddenly and is severe but lasts a short time.
Acute pain (or nociceptive pain)
Occurs when your body detects damage to body tissues or disease. Nerve endings become over-stimulated or damaged, sending pain messages to the brain along the nerves. The pain is usually described as sharp or aching and may be helped by common painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or codeine.
Addiction
A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol.
Alcohol
An older drug used for nerve blocking. It permanently destroys the nerve but is hard to use because it can cause more widespread damage to nerves than intended.
Alcohol abuse
Allergic reaction
A reaction to foreign substances (allergens) by your body’s immune system. Substances that trigger allergies include pollen, dust mites, animal fur and certain foods.
Alternative medicine
Also called complementary medicine. A term for a variety of treatments that have not been widely accepted by the mainstream, or Western, medical establishment. In the management of pain, common alternative treatments include meditation, Reflexology, Yoga, hypnotherapy and acupuncture.
Anaesthetic
A medication to reduce pain or completely numb an area; can be administered as a local anaesthetic confined to use around the source of pain, or as a general anaesthetic.
Anti-convulsants
Also called anti-epileptic drugs. Drugs or medicines used in prevention of epileptic seizures. Can also be used to treat chronic pain in certain circumstances.
Anti-depressants
Drugs or medicines used to treat depression. Can also be used to treat chronic pain in certain circumstances.
Anti-inflammatory
A drug used to reduce pain associated with inflammation. May be a steroid or ‘non-steroidal’.
Anti-inflammatory steroid
See anti-inflammatory.
Anxiety
A feeling of apprehension, fear, nervousness or dread accompanied by restlessness or tension. Chronic pain can lead to feelings of anxiety.
Arachnoiditis
A disease of the arachnoid mater.
Arachnoid mater
One of the thin layers that surround and protect the nerves of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
Arthritis
Pain and inflammation in the joints.
B
Blood disorder
A problem with the functioning of the components of blood, such as failure to clot or anaemia.
Bowel
The large intestine, which is part of the digestive system in your body.
Brain injury
Short-term injury to the brain that can cause long-term damage to the way the brain works and can be a source of chronic pain.
Breakthrough pain
A short-term flare of pain of moderate to severe intensity occurring against a background of otherwise controlled pain. Breakthrough pain is a rare occurrence with neurostimulation or intrathecal drug delivery and can be managed with the patient programmer.
C
Cancer
General term for more than 100 diseases in which cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way, contrary to the normal growth pattern.
Cancer pain
Pain related to either the growth of a tumour or cancer treatment. May be acute, chronic, or intermittent.
Cardiologist
A hospital doctor who is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Catheter
The catheter used in intrathecal drug delivery is a small, soft tube. One end is connected to the pump and the other is placed into the area surrounding the spinal cord (intrathecal space).
Central nervous system (CNS)
One of two main divisions of the nervous system (the other being the peripheral nervous system) consisting of the brain, the brain stem and spinal cord.
Chemicals
Exposure to certain chemicals can cause peripheral nerve damage. Examples include: exposure to lead, mercury, arsenic and thalium, some insecticides and solvents, certain herbal medicines, especially Chinese herbal medicines, that are particularly rich in mercury and arsenic.
Chiropodist
A person who is concerned with chiropody, which is the study and care of the foot.
Chiropractic
A system of diagnosis and treatment based on the concept that the nervous system coordinates all of the body's functions, and that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function. Chiropractic medicine uses manipulation and adjustment of body structures, such as the spine, to relieve pressure on nerves coming from the spinal cord.
Chiropractor
A person who practices chiropractic care.
Chronic
Used to describe a condition that is long-lasting or recurrent.
Chronic alcohol abuse
Chronic high levels of alcohol in the body can cause nerve damage. Alcoholics tend to eat poorly and may become so lacking in vitamins that this contributes to the nerve damage.
Chronic pain
Pain that recurs or persists for more than six months and is not relieved by medical or surgical care.
Circulatory system
The system of arteries, capillaries, veins and the heart, that moves blood around the body.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS usually starts in the foot or hand after an injury, such as a broken bone, or nerve damage from surgery. There are two forms: reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD, CRPS type I) and causalgia (CRPS type II). The main symptom is extreme pain – often described as burning. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to touch, skin changes, swelling, weakness and loss of movement in the hand or foot.
Complications
Unwanted consequences of an operation, such as infection.
Constipation
When bowel movements become infrequent or incomplete.
Continuous infusion
In the test for intrathecal drug delivery, the slow introduction of the test pain-relieving medicine into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord over a period of time.
Cryoanalgesia
A semi-permanent nerve blocking technique where nerves are destroyed with extreme cold to relieve pain for weeks or months.
D
Deep heat therapy
The use of heat to treat certain medical conditions including chronic pain with products such as heat packs, paraffin baths and radiant heat, or with a hot bath or towels immersed in hot water. diathermy is a type of deep heat therapy.
Defibrillator
An electrical device used to reverse an abnormal heart rhythm and re-start a heart, for example following a heart attack, by applying a brief electric shock.
Degenerative disc disease
A disease affecting the spine, specifically the spinal discs, the soft cushions that sit between each vertebrae of the spine. Degenerative disc disease can cause chronic pain.
Depression
Clinical depression is marked by symptoms that last two weeks or more and are so severe that they interfere with normal daily living. These include pessimism with feelings of inadequacy and a disheartened lack of activity. Clinical depression is different from the word depression used in everyday language. The latter refers to any downturn in mood, which is often short term. Chronic pain can lead to feelings of clinical depression.
Diabetes
A chronic disease associated with abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood. A common cause of peripheral nerve damage.
Diathermy
A technique that uses high-frequency electrical currents to heat deep muscular tissues to increase blood flow and speed up recovery.
Di-hydrocodeine
See opioid.
Disc
(spinal). See spinal discs.
Disease
Any abnormal condition of the body that impairs its functions.
Disturbed sleep
Upset to normal sleep patterns. For example, inability to fall asleep or frequent waking from sleep.
Drug dependence
A result of a drug-taking habit, where negative physical withdrawal symptoms are experienced if the person stops taking the drug suddenly.
Drug underdose
Taking a drug in quantities less than was recommended by your doctor. In the treatment of chronic pain, drug underdose is likely to lead to breakthrough pain.
Drug overdose
Taking a drug in quantities greater than was recommended by your doctor. In the treatment of chronic pain, drug overdose increases the risk of serious side effects.
E
Electrode
A small wire that is attached to the skin, or a part of the body, and transmits electronic impulses.
Electronic treatment
In the management of chronic pain, electronic treatments are delivered either at the site of pain or into the spinal cord. Electronic treatments delivered at the spinal cord (neurostimulation) are thought to work by interfering with pain signals before they reach the brain.
Epidural fibrosis
Scar tissue that forms around the spine, commonly after back surgery. It is a possible cause of failed back surgery syndrome.
F
Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
Pain that persists or recurs after surgery for lumbosacral spinal disease (disease of the lower back).
G
General anaesthetic
See anaesthetic.
Gland
An organ that makes and secretes substances used by the body.
Glycerin
An older drug used for nerve blocking. It permanently destroys the nerve but is hard to use because it can cause more widespread damage to nerves than intended.
H
Hereditary
Passed down from generation to generation.Hypnotherapy
The treatment of disease by inducing a trance-like sleep. Can be used to relieve chronic pain.
I
IDD
See intrathecal drug delivery.
Immune reaction
The body’s defence reaction that recognises an invading substance (an antigen, such as a virus, fungus, bacteria or transplanted organ) and produces antibodies against that antigen. Certain immune reactions can lead to chronic pain from nerves (painful neuropathy).
Infection
Invasion of the body tissues by bacteria or other micro-organisms that cause illness.
Inflammation
A response from the body’s immune system in reaction to infection, irritation, injury or destruction of body tissues. Its key features are redness, warmth, swelling and pain.
Inflammatory disease
A disease that is characterized by inflammation.
Intermittent stimulation
A rare problem that can occur with neurostimulation, where stimulation programmed by the neurostimulator does not always happen at the correct time.
Intervertebral discs
See spinal discs.
Intestines
The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen (also called the bowels), that runs from the stomach to the anus and completes the process of digestion.
Intrathecal drug delivery (IDD)
With IDD, pain-relieving medicine is delivered by an intrathecal pump though a small, soft tube (catheter) directly into the intrathecal space, the fluid-filled area around the spinal cord.
Intrathecal pump
A medical device that stores and automatically releases prescribed amounts of a pain-relieving medicine through the catheter, directly to the intrathecal space around the spinal cord.
Intrathecal space
The fluid-filled area surrounding the spinal cord.
K
Kidney disease
A condition in which the kidneys gradually fail to function properly, this causes fluids and waste products to build up in the body. In some cases, kidney failure may cause peripheral nerve damage.
L
Lead
In neurostimulation, a thin insulated wire with electrodes (electrical contacts) located near the tip.Local anaesthetic
A medicine that causes a complete loss of feeling to a specific part of your body without causing you to lose consciousness. It works by blocking the nerves from the affected part of your body so that pain signals cannot reach your brain. See also anaesthetic.
Lower abdomen
Lower part of the abdomen.
Lumbar disc herniation
A disorder of the lower back, in which a spinal disc is pushed outside its normal position. A herniated disc can cause pain when it presses against nerves in the spinal column.
Lumbosacral spinal disease
Disease of the lower back.
M
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A medical technique used in hospitals to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
Manipulation (chiropractic)
The hands are used to mobilize, adjust, apply traction, massage, stimulate, or otherwise influence the spine.
Meditation
A self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind. Meditation is one technique of alternative medicine used to relieve chronic pain.
Mid-back
The region of the back between the lower back and upper back.
Morphine
A drug used to ease severe pain that is often prescribed to patients recovering from operations, serious injuries or to relieve chronic pain.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
A disorder of the body’s immune system that affects the nerves and develops slowly over time. MS affects a person's ability to move, to feel and control his or her body functions, and can be associated with chronic pain.
N
Nausea
A feeling of sickness that may progress to vomiting.
Nerve
A bundle of fibres that transmit electrical messages between the brain and areas of the body; these messages carry sensations to the brain or instructions to the muscles from the brain.
Nervous system
A highly specialised network composed of nerves that transmit information to and from the brain and spinal cord to and from every other part of the body. The nervous system has two main divisions, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Neuralgia
A form of neuropathic pain in which a severe sharp pain is felt along the course of a nerve.
Neurologist
A doctor who is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Neuromodulation
See neurostimulation.
Neuropathic pain
Pain that is caused by an injury to or problem with the nerves or central nervous system. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, neuropathic pain is pain initiated or caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system. Peripheral neuropathic pain occurs when the lesion or dysfunction affects the peripheral nervous system. Central pain may be retained as the term when the lesion or dysfunction affects the central nervous system. For more information visit: http://www.iasp-pain.org
Neurostimulation
A technique used to relieve pain by electrical stimulation of nerves.
Neurostimulator/neurostimulation system
A device that delivers neurostimulation.
Neurosurgeon
A doctor who has specialised in surgery of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Nociceptive pain
See acute pain. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, stimulation of a nociceptor due to chemical, thermal or mechanical event that has the potential to damage body tissue, may cause nociceptive pain.
For more information visit: http://www.iasp-pain.org/
Nociceptor
Pain sensor
Non-pressurised aircraft
Aircraft that do not have a sealed cabin so can only fly at low altitudes. In a pressurised aircraft, the cabin is sealed to maintain a similar pressure to ground level when flying at higher altitudes.
Normal pain
See acute pain.
O
Ongoing condition
A long-term problem with the body as a whole or of one of its parts usually because of disease, injury or nerve damage, which can lead to chronic pain.
Opioid
(family). A drug derived from the opium plant. The opioid family includes such drugs as codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol and morphine.
Organ
The internal structures of the body that perform various functions (e.g., liver, brain etc.).
Orthopaedic surgeon
A doctor who is specialised in surgery of bones.
Osteopath
A person who practices osteopathy, a system of diagnosis and treatment with the philosophy that the body’s natural tendency to heal itself can be disrupted by imbalances in the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths work with their hands and use a range of techniques to treat conditions such as back pain, migraine, sports injuries, repetitive strain injury and asthma.
Osteoporosis
A disease of bone that leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Osteoporosis can be associated chronic pain.
Outpatient
If you are referred to see a hospital consultant for a specialist opinion, your visit to the consultant is an outpatient. You do not need to stay in hospital.
Overdose
See drug overdose.
P
Pacemaker
A medical device which uses electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart.
Painful neuropathy
Also known as pain from nerves. Results from damage to nerves that produces severe chronic pain.
Pain receptor
A structure at the end of a nerve that recognises a painful stimulus occurring either outside or inside the body. Also called nociceptors.
Pancreas
An organ that is responsible for secreting substances that aid digestion and the control of blood sugar.
Parasthesia
A sensation of burning, prickling, tingling, 'pins and needles' or creeping on the skin. Your doctor may refer to the tingling sensation with neurostimulation as parasthesia.
Patient programmer
A hand-held computer that the patient uses to control their neurostimulator or intrathecal drug delivery device. Can be used to control breakthrough pain.
Peripheral hyperexcitability
A condition of the peripheral nervous system leading to muscle twitches that cannot be controlled, feelings of cramp, and muscular aches, pain, soreness and discomfort.
Peripheral nerves
Nerves of the peripheral nervous system.
Peripheral nervous system
One of two main divisions of the human nervous system (the other being the central nervous system) consisting of the nerves that transmit information to and from the brain and spinal cord to and from every other part of the body.
Phantom limb pain
Individuals who have had to have a limb amputated often suffer pain that appears to come from the amputated limb. This is termed phantom limb pain.
Phenol
An old-fashioned drug used for nerve blocking. It permanently destroys the nerve but is hard to use because it can cause more widespread damage to nerves than intended.
Physiological
Relating to internal processes of the body.
Physiotherapy
A healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement that uses physical techniques to treat any imbalances or disorders.
Physiotherapist
A person who practices physiotherapy.
Programmer
A hand-held computer that enables your doctor to programme your implanted neurostimulator or intrathecal drug delivery device without having to perform further surgery. See also patient programmer.
Psychological assessment
A process that uses information from different sources, such as psychological tests, personal and medical history, and description of current symptoms and problems experienced by either you or by others. As chronic pain involves both your mind and body, a psychological assessment might be performed to help in deciding whether neurostimulation or intrathecal drug delivery is right for you.
Pump reservoir
Container inside an intrathecal drug delivery pump that holds the pain-relieving medicine.
R
Radiation treatment
Also known as radiotherapy. The use of controlled doses of radiation to treat disease, especially cancer. It is usually given by pointing an X-ray machine at the part of the body to be treated.
Radiofrequency ablation
A permanent nerve blocking technique in which radiofrequency energy is used to relieve chronic pain by destroying nerve tissue with heat.Reflexology
An alternative treatment with the philosophy that, by applying pressure to certain reflex points on the hands or feet, blood circulation is improved, the body relaxes and organs and glands become balanced. Can relieve chronic pain in some people.
Rheumatologist
A hospital doctor who specialises in rheumatology, a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and management of arthritis.
S
Scar tissue
Dense, fibrous tissue that forms over a healed wound or cut.
Screening test
A test performed by your doctor before long-term implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery or neurostimulation system to determine if the treatment is suitable and effective for you.
Shingles
A disease caused by a virus, characterised by a painful skin rash with blisters in a limited area on one part of the body, often in a stripe or patch.
Side-effects
Unwanted (as opposed to therapeutic) effects of a drug or treatment.
Spinal column
The spinal column or spine supports the skeleton, and surrounds and protects the delicate spinal cord and nerves. It is made up of 33 bones called the vertebrae.
Spinal cord
The spinal cord is made up of nerve fibres and is the central route along which all pain signals travel to and from the brain. The spinal cord is protected by the spinal column.
Spinal cord injury
Short-term injury to the spinal cord that can cause long-term damage to the way the spinal cord works and can cause chronic pain.
Spinal discs
Also known as intervertebral discs. The soft cushions that sit between each vertebrae of the spinal column.
Spinal stenosis
A medical condition associated with chronic pain in which the canal containing the spinal cord narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves. This is usually due to the natural aging process but can also be caused by lumbar disc herniation, osteoporosis or cancer.
Spine
See spinal column.
Spine manipulation
A treatment for pain usually performed with the hands on joints in the spine by a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist.
Steroid injection
Injection of an anti-inflammatory steroid to reduce inflammation and relieve chronic pain.
Stimulant
A medicine or drug that temporarily increases alertness and awareness.
Stimulation
The electrical impulses produced by neurostimulation to relieve chronic pain.
Stimulus
Something that causes or is regarded as having caused a response, such as a touch.
Stroke
A condition caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain which can lead to a loss in ability to move a part or area of the body.
Suppository
A small plug of medication designed to melt at body temperature within a body cavity other than the mouth, usually the rectum or vagina.
Surgical treatment
In the management of chronic pain, surgery is used to help block pain messages that travel down the nerves to the brain and to correct problems that cause pain.
Symptom
Where a difference from normal function or feeling is noticed by you. A symptom can be a signal of disease or another abnormality.
Syndrome
A group of signs and symptoms that tend to occur together and which indicate the presence of a particular disease or an increased chance of developing a particular disease.
T
Tramadol
See opioid.
Trunk
Also referred to as the torso. The central part of the body including the chest and abdomen.
Tumour
An abnormal growth that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
U
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan, also known as a sonograph, is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of an organ in the body.
Underdose
See drug underdose.
V
Vertebrae
The bones that make up the spinal column.
W
Withdrawal symptoms
Symptoms that appear when a drug that causes physical dependence (drug dependency) is used regularly for a long time and is then suddenly discontinued or decreased in dosage. Symptoms of withdrawal vary depending on how long you were taking a medicine and what type of medicine you were taking.
X
X-ray
An imaging technique used in hospitals that shows up abnormalities in bones and certain body tissues.
Y
Yoga
A system of physical and mental exercises designed to help achieve the goal of living with good health and peace of mind. Yoga can relieve chronic pain in some people.
